Apparatus for effecting electrolysis.



PATENTED MAR. 14, 1905.

H. PHILIPP. APPARATUS FOR EFFEGTING ELEGTROLYSIS.

APPLIOATION FILED AUG. 10. 1903.

2 BHEETSSHEET 1.

hi erzzfors No. 784,592. PATENTED MAR. 14, 1905.

H. PHILIPP.

APPARATUS FOR EFFEGTING BLBGTROLYSIS.

APPLICATION FILED we. 10. 190s,

2 SEEETB-8HEET z.

74%6 as e a v Invert-g5";

Patented March 14, 1905.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HERBERT PHILIPP, OF WY ANDOTTE, MICHIGAN.

APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING ELECTRQLYSIS.

SPECIFICATION forming" part of Letters Patent No. 784,592, dated March14, 1905.

4 Application filed August 10, 1903. Serial No. 169,036.

To all whom, it nan/y concern.-

Be it known that I, HERBERT PHILIrP,a's11b- In the apparatusillustrated,Fig. 1 shows a sectional elevation of a cylindrical vessel, prefject ofthe King of Great Britain, residing at erably made of earthenware AA..A, pro- \Vyandotte,lVayne county, State of Michigan, have inventedcertain new and useful Apparatus for Eiiecting Electrolysis of MetallicSalts; and 1 do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, andexact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilledin the art to which it pertains to make and use the same, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings, and to letters of referencethereon, which form part of the specification.

Similar letters refer to similar parts in each drawing.

It is well known that up to date the apparatus and methods for theelectrolysis of the alkalimetal .chlorids, while being fairly effective,are still faulty in many most essential features. Particularly is thisthe case where mercury is employed as cathode. In the present methodsand apparatus as used the mercury soon becomes too rich in amalgam or insome cases does not become rich enough, due in each case to theimperfection of the means and apparatus employed. The present inventionis designed to overcome these faults and imperfections and at the sametime cheapen the cost of manufacture by direct and novel means wherebythe decomposition of the alkali-metal chloride or other salt isaccomplished and a high efficiency of the electrical energy is madepossible by mostsimple and direct means free from mechanicalcomplications.

Inthis invention the mercury cathode is fed in an uninterrupted shallowstream winding about a cylindrical built-up carbon anode, the speedbeing regulated and the volume of the flow of mercury gaged to suit thedensity of the electric current to be utilized. I use any practicalmethod for raising the mercury to flow into the cell.

The drawings illustrate my present inven tion, Figure 1 beingacentralvertical section of an elevation of one form of my cell. Fig. 2 is aplan with parts in horizontal section, showing cover partly cutaway.Fig. 3 shows a form where solutions of alkali-metal salts can beefficiently used.

of the carbons shaped to form the cylinder.

Fig. 4 shows a section let pipc. The cylindrical vessel is fitted with acoverC, with projections fittinginto a waterlute d (Z. Fitting throughthe cover G is the carbon anode D, composed of carbon staves or shapesheld together by rubber hoops or bands 6 b Electrical connection is madeby an iron ring 5, riveted through each stave by metal rivets 5 Theelectrical circuit is made through several metallic leads 6" b", whichare welded onto the iron ring 5 at various points according to the sizeand current density of the apparatus. These metallic leads are connectedwith the main current by wires 6' I). At various and convenient pointsalong the spirally-wound gutter or trough are circular or ovalperforations a a (b, passing through the outer wallof the cylindricalvessel for the purpose of-formiug connections with the main circuit bywires a a.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows: The cylindrical carbon Dis filled with an alkali-metal chlorid or other salt and constitutes thecontaining-chamber, while the body of the vessel is filled with asaturated solution of the same salt to be electrolyzed. On the solutionbecoming weakened by electrolysis it resaturates itself by the presenceof the solid alkali-metal chlorid or other salt. The carbon staves 0rshapes are supplied with a series of openings or holes a a, passingentirely through the carbon at various and convenient distances,according to the size of the apparatus. These holes are arranged at suchan angle that they will be lower on the inside of the carbon than on theouter side, and thus allowing the saturated solution of the alkalimetalsalt to diffuse freely through the electrolyte while the gases evolvedascend on the outside of the carbon only. The solution inside the carboncylinder or form will be fully saturated, and therefore specifically IOCheavier than the solution on the outside, which will continually becomeweakened through the decomposition of the alkali-metal salt by theelectric current. By this means the solution is kept continually beingresaturated until such a time as the electric current should stop, thusmaking the solutions on both sides of the carbons at the same point ofsaturation. The apparatus is provided with an anode D, which, as stated,is formed by a cylinder of carbon, built up of strips or staves and heldin place by r'ubber hoops If. The cylinder is placed in the cell througha circular cover or lid (J, made gas-tight by water-lutes (Z and f, asshown in the drawings. The carbon cylinder is fitted with a metal ring6, fastened to each stave in the cylinder by a rivet L as shown, towhich, as stated, are welded metallic leads I), provided with wires 6,which are attached to the positive wire of the main electric circuit.The cell is now in condition to have the electric current switched on.The hand-valve G on the mercury-inlet pipe-c is opened, the mercurystrikes the WlI'G/L, which is attached to the negative main circuit a assoon as it passes the valve-opening, as shown in the drawings. At aconvenient distance from this point the mercury strikes another wire it,which is let in the top portion of the pipe 0', being carefullyinsulated at the point where it passes through the metal part of thepipe, the height of it being regulated by a micrometer-screw orotherwise. This wire it is attached to an electromagnet M, which isagain connected by a shunt-wire it to the positive main conductor.' Assoon as the mercury strikes the wire it the electromagnet will lift thevalve P, and so let the mercury enter the spirally-wound gutter ortrough B inside the cell. The valve-disk is so arranged thatshould anymercury or other liquid happen to be behind it before the valve opens itwould easily flow through the holes 0', made for that purpose.

The wire h is so arranged that it will allow the necessary quantity ofmercury to flow in a continuous stream through the inlet-pipe 0 into thespirally-wound gutter 01' trough B in a quantity sutficient to cover thebottom of the gutter to the necessary depth. The spirallywound guttersare so placed as to form a regulated incline, so that gravity willimpart a proper speed motion to the mercury in its flow from the top orinlet pipe to the bottom or outlet, forming an uninterrupted andcontinuous flow of the mercury or cathode surface as long as the cell isin operation. In addition to the inclination first named the gutter ortrough is also inclined as to its bottom surface and at such an angle asto counteract the centrifugal action of the flowing mercury andregulates the action, so that an exact and even depth of the movingcathode is at all times assured. Conducting-wires a (t are passed intothe perforations of the walls of the cylindrical vessel A and madeperfectly tight by rubber plugs 1, corks, or other substance, by whichfluid-tight insulation is secured. These wires carry the negativecurrent from the flowing mercury, completing the circuit, the mercurythus becoming the cathode. The arrangement of the wires in this manneradmits of a perfect contact being made without exposing the terminals tocorrosive action, which would be the case were they carried completelythrough into the gutter or trough.

It will be understood from this description that the parts described,properly assembled and supplied with an electric current of propervoltage and amperage, and the cylindrical body of the carbon chargedwith a proper quantity of the desired alkali-metal chlorid or othersalt, and a saturated solution of the same being placed between thewalls of the vessel and the outer side of the carbon cylinder,decomposition takes place by electrolysis, the chlorin or other gasesevolved passing off through the gas-outlet 0", as shown, while thesodium amalgam formed is carried by the How of the mercury out throughan aperture placed at the lower part of the vessel. The end of thespirally-wound gutter or trough B enters a small basin F with a roof, soas to prevent any mercury jumping over into the earthenware vessel. Itthen passes through an aperture placed at the lower part of the vessel,passing through a pipe 0, furnished with a convenient form oftripping-valve S, as shown in the drawings. This valve is so arranged asto withstand the weight of the alkali-metal chlorid or other saltsolution, but to lift when thespecifically heavier mercury strikes it,so it will only allow the mercury and amalgam to pass to the oxidizingapparatus and prevent the alkali-metal-salt solution from following. Solong as the electric current passes from thecarbon anode to the mercurythe cathode absorbs the alkali-metal liberated by the electric current;but should the electric current cease to flow the electromagnet M willbe released and the valve P will close, the mercury in the vesselfinding its exit at 0, and thus the vessel will contain only the initialelements. This is a decided advantage over a horizontal cell in which aportion of the mercury is always exposed to the chlorinatedalkali-metal-chlorid solution in such cases where alkali-metal chloridsare used. In the case of the horizontal cell when the electric currentis cutoff the mercury goes in solution and forms a mercury salt. In myinvention the apparatus described is shown to be'automatic, inasmuch aswhen the current is cut off the mercury entirely leaves the body of thevessel which can then be flushed and cleaned without waste of time,labor, or taking the apparatus to pieces, or, again, as shown in Fig. 1,the terminal shown at h when in contact with the mercury acts throughthe magnet M, and the valve 1 is held up as long as the circuit isclosed and as long as the necessary quantity of mercury is movingthrough the inlet-pipe, as described above. Should the current, however,be shut off or should the quantity of mercury be too little, (and so nottouch the wire /1/,) the valve closes by the releasing of theelectromagnet M and the mercury in the cell all flows out at theegress-valve S. V

Fig. 8 shows a practical form of apparatus where the alkali-metal-saltsolutions only are used. The carbon in Fig. l is made with a hook or rim9, which fits in the lute f of the earthenware lid, forming an absolutegas-tight joint, also providing a handhold, facilitating the removing ofthe carbon. Fig. 3 shows an additional lute (Z on the inside of theinner wall of the earthenware vessel A, into which the carbon hook orrim rests. This also helps to form a gas-tight joint.

In Fig. 4 Ihave shown two methods of forming an interlocking edge of thecarbon staves. In the form shown to the left a tongue 2' is formed onone edge of the stave which enters a corresponding groove j in the edgeof the adjacent stave,while in the construction shown at the right theedge of the stave is made angular, as shown at Z, the angular projectionentering a corresponding recess 7:: in the edge of the adjacent stave.Other forms of interlocking joints may be resorted to.

The various details of construction illustrated in the figures of thedrawings and described above may be varied without departing from thenature and principle of the invention.

The particular construction of the specificgravity valve S and theparticular construction of the magnetically-operated valve r are notherein particularly referred to, but are shown largely diagrammatically,inasmuch as the invention is not limited in this particular to suchconstruction as any desired form may be employed.

That I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. An electrolytic apparatus comprising a vessel having a feed anddischarge opening and a mercury-conducting trough extending spirallyfrom top to bottom, a separated compartment within the vessel aroundwhich the trough extends, and means for supplying mercury to theapparatus.

2. An electrolytic apparatus comprising a vessel having a feed anddischarge opening, a mercury-conducting trough extending spirally fromtop to bottom thereof, a separated containing-compartment arrangedwithin the plane of the spiral trough, an inlet leading into the spacebetween the containing-compartment and the wall of the vessel, and anoutlet leading from said space.

3. In an electrolytic apparatus, the combination with a vessel having acontaining-compartment arranged therein, an inclined trough in the spacebetween the compartment and the wall of the vessel and inclinedtransversely, a feed communicating with the upper end of the trough anda valve-outlet at the lower end thereof, and inlet and outlet openingsarranged respectively at the top and bottom portions of the vessel.

4. An electrolytic cell comprising a vessel having a mercury-conductingtrough of uninterrupted spiral formation, an anode wholly within theplane of the spiral trough, means for introducing mercury into the cell,and a valve-discharge at the lower end of the trough.

5. In an electrolytic cell, the combination with a vessel, of an anodeconstituting the walls of a compartment, an inclined conductor arrangedwholly within the space between the anode and the wall of the cell, wireterminals passing through the walls of the cell, and means for supplyingthe conductor with an electrolyte.

6. In an electrolytic apparatus, the combination with a vessel having aspirally-arranged conducting-trough on the inner face of its outer wall,of an independently-removable and hollow anode located within thevessel, means for supplying a fluid material to the spiral trough, andan outlet for the said material at the lower end of the trough.

7. In an electrolytic apparatus, the combination with ayessel having aninclined mercury-conducting trough therein extending from and secured toits outer wall, a removable anode having a hollow center located withinthe vessel and terminals of electrical conductors passing through thewalls of the vessel and terminating at the inner wall of the vessel.

8. A vessel provided with alute around the upper outer edge for thepurpose of making a gas-tight joint and provided with a trough inclinedat an angle around its inner wall; said trough inclined transversely, asto its bottom surface, and provided at suitable distances along theouterbottom corner, or that portion nearest the inner wall of thevessel, with perforations passing entirely through the walls of thevessel, and conductors passing through the perforations, substantiallyas set forth and described 9. The combination with a containing vesselhaving a marginal trough at its upper edge, a cover therefor having adepending flange entering the trough and formed with a trough or gutterat its upper edge, and an anode arranged within the vessel and providedwith a depending flange entering the trough of the said cover.

10. In an electrolytic cell, the combination with a vessel having amercury-conducting trough extending from its inner wall and inclinedfrom top to bottom and transversely, the walls of the vessel beingprovided with a series of perforations in line with the bottom of thetrough, and metallic points passing through the said perforations andterminating IIO adjacent the inner wall of the vessel, substantially asdescribed.

11. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with avessel and an anode therein, of a conducting-trough extendflow throughthe trough.

13. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with avessel having a removable anode therein, of hollow formationconstituting a containing-chamber, of a mercury-conducting trough, meansfor supplying mercury to the trough, an outlet for the mercury, andmeans acting automatically to permit the flow of mercury from the troughand prevent the escape of the solution after the mercury has ceased toflow.

1a. In an apparatus of the character indicated, a mercuryconductingtrough, a feed for supplying mercury to the trough, an outlet for thetrough, and aspecific-gravity valve governing said outlet.

15. In combination with the vessel described, an anode composed of aseries of carbon blocks or staves, of sufficient dlmensions, when fittedtogether, to form a cylinder or other shaped form and held in place byhoops, bands, or braces of suitable material, all as substantially setforth and described.

, 16. In combination with an anode composed of carbon blocks or staves,a metallic band, hoop, or brace, connected to each stave or block by ametal rivet, the metallic band or hoop being provided with metallicleads to which the positive terminal carrying the current, is attached,the whole forming an effective connection between the assembled carbonsand the source of electric energy, also assisting to hold the carbons inproper position.

17. A hollow cylindrical vessel consisting of an outer wall or ring andan inner wall or ring, each wall provided with a recess or lute aroundits upper edge, the outer wall having the recess around the outer edge,the inner wall having the recess around the inner edge, the vessel alsobeing constructed with an inclined gutter or trough around the innersurface of the outer wall, all as substantially set forth and described.

18. In com bination with a hollow cylindrical vessel consisting of anouter wall or ring, a cylindrical-shaped carbon molded witha hook or rimaround the circumference for the purpose of fitting into the recess orlute of the upper inner edge of the lid or cover, and an inner hook orrim, forming a circular male projection, made to engage the inner recessor lute on the inner wall of the vessel, all as substantially set forthand described.

HERBERT PHILIPP.

\Vitnesses:

CHARLES Amos DENISON, 'li-mormLns JOHN LANGLOIS.

